Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Kenya Office

30/06/2026

The FES Kenya team had the honour of hosting Dr. Rolf Muetzenich, a member of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Board, for a two-day programme in Nairobi.

As an active member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, Dr. Muetzenich expressed a keen interest in Kenya's role in East Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa. The visit provided an opportunity for engaging discussions on the region's evolving political landscape and the importance of strengthening international dialogue and cooperation.

15/05/2026

Most of us turn on a tap without thinking twice. But in Emali, Makueni, that is not the reality for thousands of families.

Informal water vendors are the primary supply source. During dry seasons, 20 litres costs KES 50. Women and youth dominate this sector — but with no formal protection, no training, and no recognition in local governance.

The SCEJU project is changing that.

Through our FSTP grants, the Emali Dedicated Children's Agency (EDCA) is constructing a reverse osmosis water treatment plant with automated kiosks — cutting costs, improving quality, and formalising livelihoods for 50 women and youth vendors.

2,000 residents. 50 vendors supported. Clean water as a right, not a luxury.

🌐 https://sceju.csudp.net/

05/05/2026

This video is a call to all of us.

This International Workers' Day, platform workers across Africa are speaking up about working long hours with low pay, no protection, and little recognition.

Different sectors. Same reality.

Different platforms. One struggle. One demand.

Together with Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya and partners, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Kenya is amplifying these voices—and calling on all of us to stand with them.

📢 Recognise platform workers in Africa

📢 No innovation without protection

Your voice matters. Speak up. Share. Stand in solidarity.

Link to the full video: YouTube:

Platform wokers in Kenya: Different platforms, one struggle, one demand!

01/05/2026

Across the globe, digital labour platforms are reshaping how work is organised, governed, and valued. But behind the language of innovation lies a more difficult reality: algorithm-driven systems are exposing major gaps in labour regulation and worker protection.

📱 From ride-hailing to delivery services, platform workers keep our economies moving. Yet apps often control access to jobs, pay, and ratings, with limited transparency or human oversight.

Women are disproportionately affected, earning less on average and facing higher risks of harassment, unsafe conditions, and discrimination.

There is a clear need for action:


➡️ Recognise platform workers as workers

➡️ Guarantee labour rights, social protection, and fair conditions

➡️ Protect the right to organise and bargain collectively

✊As we mark Labour Day 2026, we must reaffirm a simple principle: the future of work must be grounded in dignity, rights, and justice for all workers.

16/04/2026

The future of Kenya’s leadership must be rooted in justice, dignity, and shared humanity.

The Political Leadership and Governance Programme (PLGP) 2026 is now open for applications—an opportunity for emerging leaders (18–35) engaged in civil society, trade unions, and political spaces to deepen their leadership journey.

Through immersive training and a four-month mentorship process, PLGP equips you with the skills, values, and networks to lead boldly, ethically, and inclusively.

If you believe in social justice, social democracy, and a Kenya where no one is left behind—this space is for you.

🗓 Deadline: 4 May 2026 (midnight)
🔗 Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/52r8vxd4

Let’s build a Kenya where everyone can thrive.

13/04/2026

How do we finance cities that truly work for everyone?

At the Africa Urban Forum, FES Kenya convened a dialogue on financing the Just City—bringing together perspectives on infrastructure, democratic participation, and inclusive development.

The discussion highlighted the need to rethink how cities are financed and built to ensure they are equitable, participatory, and responsive to community needs.

Read more: https://justcity.fes.de/news/financing-the-just-city-rethinking-urban-infrastructure-development-and-democratic-participation-in-africa.html

13/04/2026

Housing justice remains central to the Just City agenda.

At the Africa Urban Forum, FES Kenya convened a dialogue on rethinking housing through policy, participation, and financing. The discussion emphasized inclusive frameworks that prioritize dignity, affordability, and access for all.

Read more: https://justcity.fes.de/news/housing-justice-at-auf-rethinking-policy-participation-and-financing.html

13/04/2026

Last week at the Africa Urban Forum, FES Kenya and FES Tanzania convened critical conversations on advancing Just Cities across the continent.

Through three side events and a joint booth, we engaged diverse stakeholders on:
• Financing the Just City
• Rethinking urban infrastructure and democratic participation
• Housing justice and inclusive policy frameworks

These discussions reaffirm the importance of people-centred, democratic approaches to urban development—grounded in equity, participation, and social justice.

We are encouraged by the strong engagement and shared commitment to shaping more just and inclusive urban futures in Africa.

07/04/2026

At , FES Just City brings together government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to reflect on one of the most urgent questions of our time: how do we realise housing as a matter of dignity and justice?

As African cities continue to grow, the challenge is not only technical, but deeply political and human. Advancing housing justice requires rethinking how cities are financed, who participates in decision-making, and how equity is centred in urban policy.

Grounded in the values of utu—shared humanity, care, and dignity—this dialogue contributes to shaping urban futures that are inclusive, just, and people-centred.

Read more:

The event will bring together government representatives, civil society organizations, private sector actors, academia, and international partners to discuss pressing housing challenges, policy frameworks, and governance reforms.

10/03/2026

Today in Makueni County, the Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization (SCEJU) consortium engaged the County Government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), civil society, and water and waste actors in a County Dialogue Forum to present and discuss the SCEJU Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Monitoring and Tracking Tool.

The tool provides a practical framework for assessing progress on climate commitments by focusing on five key pillars.

1. Governance (30%) examines whether systems are in place to deliver climate action.

2. MRV – Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (20%) checks whether climate data is available, transparent, and usable.

3. Mitigation (20%) assesses whether emissions reductions are being achieved.

4. Adaptation (15%) looks at how prepared communities are for climate impacts.

5. Finally, Finance (15%) evaluates whether climate funding is available and effectively utilized.

Through this dialogue, stakeholders reflected on how these pillars can strengthen county-level implementation of Kenya’s climate commitments, particularly in sustainable water and waste management systems that directly affect communities. The discussion emphasized the importance of data transparency, institutional coordination, and financing mechanisms to ensure that climate action translates into tangible local outcomes.

The SCEJU consortium, supported by the European Union and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, continues to work with counties and partners to build capacity for evidence-based monitoring of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and to ensure that local actors are fully engaged in Kenya’s climate transition.



Civil Society Urban Development Platform (CSUDP) Delegation of The European Union to Kenya PACJACI